MRA says its gas workings based on mechanism established in June

The Malta Resources Authority said today that the maximum gas prices it had published were based on a mechanism established in June through which price fluctuations are calculated every month on the basis of international movements.

In December, a new gas supplier entered the market in Malta but the first operator retained the dominant market position.

Once it established the price, the MRA said, the dominant operator could abide by it or offer lower prices, as had happened. This showed that the existing mechanism was benefiting consumers because competition was keeping price increases in check .

The MRA urged consumers to ensure that the gas cylinders they bought were sold at the prices established by the relevant companies. Distributors are obliged to display price lists on their trucks.

The price mechanism and an explanation can be viewed on www.mra.org.mt